What are we monitoring?
The UNEP/GEF Projects on continuing Regional Support for the Global Monitoring Plan monitors the presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment and humans. POPs are hazardous chemicals that threaten human health and the planet’s ecosystems. They are extremely toxic to humans and wildlife, remain intact for exceptionally long periods of time, accumulate in the food chain and can travel long distances to the most remote places of our planet, such as the Arctic.
Why are we monitoring?
Monitoring POPs is essential to assess whether the Stockholm Convention remains an effective tool to protect human health and the environment from POPs. The data generated by the GMP shows to what degree people and the environment have been exposed to POPs and allows policy makers to make informed decisions and take action where needed.
Where are we monitoring?
UNEP implements projects that contribute to monitoring POPs and the implementation of the Stockholm Convention. Monitoring happens globally in all UN regions and capacity building support is provided in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Pacific.
Global Monitoring of Persistent Organic Pollutants Project page
